The status of 'Macrantha' as a species is uncertain, and, if it isn't a species, its breeding is unknown. The original species described by Desportes as Rosa macrantha could no longer be found in its native habitat in France by the late 19th century and apparently exists only as an herbarium sample. Two different roses discovered in the area were given the name Rosa macrantha by Hy and by Boreau, but they are not same as any of the roses named here. A series of contentious articles disputing the status of 'Macrantha' as a species or as a cultivated seedling appeared in French journals in the late 19th century and early 20th century. In the first half of the 20th century Rehder tried his hand at naming this rose, first settling on R. gallica var. macrantha hort. and 15 years later R. waitziana var. macrantha. Most recently Gerd Krüssmann called it R. x macrantha. For more information, see References.

Information from the Internet: According to Wylie, Rosa gallica 'Macrantha' is not likely a hybrid with R. canina because it is a tetraploid. Shepherd thought it was likely a R. gallica x R. alba hybrid and Wylie tended to agree with this.

Lloyd Brace at The Roseraie at Bayfields says this rose is thought to be derived or influenced by Gallica and/or Arvensis genes... the single blossoms are clear pink fading to white... Sets hips.